[76.03] The Magnetic Field Geometry in M82 and Cen A

T.J. Jones (U Minn)

Imaging polarimetry at 1.65 microns is presented for the
classic starburst galaxy M82 and the advanced merger system
Cen A. Polarimetry at near IR wavelengths allows the
magnetic field geometry in galaxies to be probed much deeper
into dusty regions than optical polarimetry. In M82, the
magnetic field throughout the nucleus has a clear polar
geometry, presumably due to a massive vertical flow that is
a result of the intense star formation there. Fully two
thirds of the line of sight dust in the inner portions of
M82 contains a vertical magnetic field. In Cen A, the
prominent dust lane shows a normal planar field geometry.
There is no indication of significant disturbance in the
field geometry of the dust lane and the polarization
strength is near normal for the amount of extinction. Either
the magnetic field geometry was well maintained during the
merger, or it reestablished itself very easily.